About
Large, majestic tree reaching over 20m in height, with leathery, ovate dark green leaves, grey-green beneath and silky hairy when young. scented white flowers with long narrow tepals to 3.5cm long and yellow stamens, flower between spring and summer; for very mild locations only.
About the genus
Magnolia can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with large, showy, often fragrant flowers, often opening before the leaves, and sometimes followed by colourful cone-like fruit
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toS China to N Indo-China
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained neutral to acid soil in full sun with shelter from cold winds. Flowers may be damaged by late frosts. Suited to south-west and inner city locations that remain frost-free for most of winter. See magnolia cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 9 or Pruning group 13 if wall-trained. See magnolia pruning for further advice
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings from late spring to early summer or semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, horse chestnut scale and capsid bug
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to coral spot, phytophthora, grey moulds, honey fungus, a virus or fungal leaf spot